Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College scored nine runs in the first inning and sophomore Eric Smolin (Westford, MA) picked up his first collegiate win as Western New England College defeated Endicott College 15-8 at Trelease Park.ÂÂ
Sophomore designated hitter Garrison Ward (Wyckoff, NJ) led the 19-hit attack by going 3-for-5 with triple, homer, four runs-batted-in and two runs. Senior centerfielder Jeff Maurutis (Milford, CT), senior right-fielder Kyle Hackney (Bristol, CT), and sophomore third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) also collected three hits apiece. Jacobs and senior left-fielder Chris Mahoney (Yorkville, NY) each knocked in three runs.
Senior Frank Candella (Marcy, NY) went four innings before giving way to Smolin who allowed two runs and three hits while striking out five in 3 2/3 innings of relief.
The Gulls pulled within 12-8 before the Golden Bears scored three runs in the eighth to seal the victory.
Western New England College (20-5) beat Endicott twice last year in the NCAA Division III New England Regional Tournament.